ANNOUNCEMENTS for October 30, 201624th Sunday after Pentecost

AN OPEN MEETING RE: PROPERTY AND MAINTENANCE: Anyone interested in sitting down with members of our Property and Maintenance Circle to discuss some ideas for the building’s upkeep and/or improvements needed are invited to meet with Jonathan and Colin immediately following today’s service so they can hear those suggestions. This will help the committee in identifying priorities and creating the 2017 budget.

2017 CHURCH CALENDARS: TODAY is the deadline for anyone wishing to order a 2017 United Church calendar – please use the sign-up sheet posted on the door of the church office. Cost of calendars is $6 each.

Update from the SPC Search Committee: The search committee has let the SPC executive know that they are now in the process of conducting interviews. We thank them for their commitment and hard work, and for keeping our congregations informed.

CENTERING PRAYER: Centering prayer group meets every Monday; all are welcome to join for one half hour of prayer together.

Fall 2016 Worship and Pastoral Care: The Pastoral Charge Executive would like to announce that we have pulpit supply in place for the fall – though the Christmas season if necessary – provided by Rev. Jennifer Brown, from Peticodiac. Rev. Nigel Weaver is our supervisory minister appointed by presbytery. For any pastoral care needs for the rest of the year, please feel free to contact Rev Jean Ward – 902-694-4372 or a.jean.ward@gmail.com

JAZZ CONCERT AT TRINITY ST. STEPHEN’S: Described as “one of Canada’s most beloved and admired musicians,” and “a legend in the international jazz community,” the incomparable Oliver Jones and his trio are performing on Saturday, Nov 12 at 7:30pm at Trinity-St. Stephen’s in Amherst. This is Oliver’s last performance in Atlantic Canada prior to his planned retirement at the end of 2016.

HURRICANE MATTHEW APPEAL: To date, the United Church has raised $34,854 for the Hurricane Matthew Emergency Appeal. Thank you! The need continues. Find out more and support the relief effort by visiting http://www.united-church.ca/hurricane-matthew

CALL FOR 2018 BULLETIN PHOTOS: We are invited to submit photos for next year’s bulletin covers that can be seen all across Canada. The deadline is TODAY – Sunday, Oct 30. Use the online submission form found here.

YEAR OF INDIGENOUS KNOWING:This academic year, Mount Allison is placing focus on exploring “Indigenous issues relating to their historical and current surroundings through several lenses — societal, cultural, and humanitarian on a local, national, and international scale.” For more details on the many scheduled events celebrating Indigenous culture and seeking justice for Indigenous peoples, please visit the official page.

Youth Ministry: You may notice that the SPY group has not been present yet this Fall. In fact, the group will be taking a “pause” this year. We hold our youth and their families in our prayers, recognizing the full and busy lives they lead. In this coming year, we will stay open to new ways that our youth ministry may unfold.

Grannie’s Soup Volunteers Needed: The Annual “Grannie’s Soup” will be held during Midnight Madness – Dec 2, 4:30-7:00pm at St. Paul’s Anglican Church Hall. Anyone able to contribute something – soup, biscuits, dessert, butter, tea or coffee, napkins, sugar – or if you would like to work with us on the night of the event, please contact Heather Patterson at hpatters@mta.ca All money raised goes to helping Grandmothers and Orphans in sub-Saharan Africa.

NOTICE OF CONGREGATIONAL MEETING FOR SUC: Please note that the Executive is calling for a Congregational Meeting to be held on Sunday, November 20th following morning worship. The purpose of the meeting will be to receive the proposed budget for 2017, and to receive names for two positions to the executive that be effective at the end of the 2016 Annual Meeting: Chair-Elect, and Communicator-Elect. These positions are for a two-year term with a three-month mentoring period beginning immediately following this Congregational Meeting.

The two-year terms for two positions on the executive will soon be open.

The Executive invites you to consider who might be just the right persons to be the next Chair (presently Marilyn Burrell) and the next Communicator (presently Brenda Allen) of the Executive of the Congregation. It could be YOU. Or it could be the person sitting beside you. Please give this your thoughtful attention, and when you think of someone, place the name in the box provided on the side table.

All members of the Executive of the Congregation attend the Executive Grounding Circle and Executive Business meetings. Each gathering aims to be no more than 90 minutes, and meets monthly, usually for 10 months/year. Here are brief descriptions of the upcoming vacancies:

Role of the position of Chair:

Call meetings & Prepare the agenda

Lead the Executive Governance meetings

Be aware of and attend to (with the Executive) requirements for congregational life

Support the church office in regard to facility use requests

Act as spokesperson for the congregation

Role of the Communicator (This position contains and expands the responsibilities of a Secretary)

Records and distributes minutes

Keeps records current and in order

Receives and brings Correspondence to the meeting

Liaises with and is supported by a core group within the Communications Ministry Area